Encephalitis lethargica-like illness in a five-year-old

A five-year-old boy presented with an encephalitis lethargica-like illness, characterised by somnolence, mutism and Parkinsonian rigidity two weeks after an acute exanthem. Investigation revealed increased serum measles antibody titre. He made a complete recovery. Encephalitis lethargica associated with Parkinsonism in childhood is rare and usually carries a poor prognosis.